Montane, subalpine, alpine. Meadows. Summer.
Haviland Lake Trail, June 28, 2004.

This Solidago is widespread from Alaska down the Rockies to Mexico to Quebec to Virginia.  It grows from an inch tall in tundra to a foot-and-a-half tall in more hospitable environments.  It is usually shorter than S. multiradiata and has about eight rays per flower whereas S. multiradiata has about thirteen.  Both have small, clustered, very bright golden yellow flowers giving the plants a very soft, fuzzy appearance.

"Simplex" is Latin for "simple".  The plant was first collected for science near Santa Rosa, Mexico in 1820 by Humboldt.

Montane, subalpine, alpine. Meadows. Summer.
Haviland Lake Trail, July 23, 2005.

S. simplex usually has about 8 flowers but can range from 6-11 ray flowers. Its very similar cousin, S. multiradiata, has about 13 ray flowers.

Montane, subalpine, alpine. Meadows. Summer.
Haviland Lake Trail, July 23, 2005.